Free legal clinics

During University semester, UNLC offers free legal advice and information to members of the community.

UNLC undertakes cases in the public interest. Find out more information on our previous public interest cases.

COVID restrictions can affect our legal advice clinic arrangements, so please contact our office on 02 492 18666 to confirm current arrangements prior to attending a clinic

Morning advice clinics

During University semesters, law students and Legal Centre lawyers offer free legal advice to members of the community on a drop-in basis at morning clinics held at NUspace.

Clinics are held on Wednesdays between 9.00am and 12.00pm.

The UNLC also conducts evening advice clinics in NUspace staffed by pro bono lawyers and law students by appointment.

Drop in or contact us for more information PH: 02 492 18666

Sessions

wed

Wednesday mornings

9am – 12pm
Drop in from - No appointment needed

Please call to confirm that the session is running and arrive no later than 11.30am

wed

Wednesday evenings

6pm – 7.30pm
By appointment only


Matters we can assist with include

  • Debt
  • Family law
  • Victim's compensation
  • Employment
  • Criminal law
  • Discrimination
  • Wills, powers of attorney, enduring guardianship
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Tenancy
  • Consumer and fair trading issues
  • Neighbour disputes
  • Public interest matters
  • Mental health law
  • Social security

When you visit UNLC, your initial meeting will be with a law student completing the University of Newcastle Practice Program. You will then meet with a UNLC solicitor or a volunteer lawyer.

We may be able to take on your case, depending on

  • Whether your case will assist our students in their legal education
  • Your financial situation
  • The likelihood of success in your case
  • Whether a UNLC solicitor is available to take your case and whether there are resources available to assist
  • Whether there are issues of a potential miscarriage of justice, public interest advocacy or potential for law reform.

If we cannot assist you, we will refer you to someone who may be able to help.


Feedback

UNLC welcomes feedback from clients who have received legal advice and from participants in community legal education sessions. This is a source of ideas for improving services and activities. All feedback received will remain confidential and be treated in a way that protects privacy.

Feedback can be provided verbally, in writing, or by survey. Please contact: 02 4921 8666 or legalcentre@newcastle.edu.au.

University of Newcastle complaints procedure is available on the University of Newcastle website and hard copies of the procedure are available at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre.